Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Romani’s capital Bucharest on Saturday for the annual Pride parade, marking the 20th anniversary of the event with a record number of participants.
The march, filled with rainbow flags and messages of love and equality, took place against a backdrop of increasing political hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community in Romania. Organized by the ACCEPT Association, the parade followed a central route along Victory Avenue, culminating in a series of speeches and concerts at Izvor Park, near the Romanian Parliament. Organizers reported that over 30,000 people participated in the event, making it the largest Pride march in the country's history. Participants of all ages called for equal rights and the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.
The parade followed a tense election cycle that has seen a rise in the influence of far-right and conservative political parties. Victor Ciobotaru, the executive director of ACCEPT, told The Associated Press that there has been a "huge increase" in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.
"This hate speech doesn't remain without effect. We can feel the tension within the society," he stated.
In a sign of the current political climate, a counter-demonstration, named the "March for Normality," was held on the same day by right-wing groups who oppose same-sex marriage and advocate for what they term "traditional family values." The Romanian Orthodox Church also publicly expressed its disapproval of the Pride march, calling it a "provocative and inappropriate act."
Despite these challenges, the overwhelming sentiment at Bucharest Pride was one of hope and resilience. "We are going to continue to fight for our rights, no matter the political climate," Ciobotaru stated.
